Automated Sheet Metal Loading System – Streamlining Production from Storage to Laser Cutting
Herochu Mechinery
Automated Sheet Metal Loading System – Streamlining Production from Storage to Laser Cutting
The bottleneck in many sheet metal shops isn’t the laser cutter—it’s everything that happens before and after it. Loading raw plates, unloading cut parts, managing inventory, and coordinating between machines often rely on manual labor, creating delays, inconsistencies, and safety concerns. The Automated Sheet Metal Loading System eliminates these inefficiencies by creating a seamless, end-to-end workflow that connects storage, handling, and processing in one intelligent loop.
Designed for medium to high-volume fabrication environments, this system integrates a multi-level automated warehouse, dual gantry trusses, and dedicated robotic manipulators for both loading and unloading. It’s built to handle standard and oversized steel plates—from 3015mm up to 6025mm—with each storage layer supporting 3 or 5 metric tons, depending on configuration. With 8 to 13 vertical levels, the system maximizes cubic space rather than floor area, making it ideal for facilities with limited real estate.
What sets this solution apart is its focus on practical automation—not just technology for technology’s sake. The loading manipulator retrieves a raw plate from the 3D warehouse and places it precisely onto the laser bed. After cutting, the unloading manipulator removes the skeleton and finished parts, depositing them onto a double-layer finished material cart for downstream sorting or packaging. This closed-loop process runs continuously with minimal human oversight.
Automatic Storage System Steel Metal Plate Gantry Loading Unloading Robot Manipulator
A key innovation is the manipulator’s 90-degree pneumatic rotation capability. Many laser cutting layouts require plates to be fed in different orientations—sometimes lengthwise, sometimes widthwise—to optimize nesting or accommodate machine bed constraints. Instead of requiring manual flipping or complex fixturing, the manipulator automatically rotates the plate as needed, ensuring optimal alignment without operator intervention.
Gripping is handled by a modular vacuum suction system featuring industrial-grade cups from trusted manufacturers. Each cup operates independently, with individual on/off control via the central PLC. This allows the system to adapt to partial sheets, irregular shapes, or plates with cutouts—common scenarios in batch production. Vacuum sensors provide real-time feedback, ensuring safe handling even with challenging materials like textured stainless steel or coated aluminum.
Performance specs are tuned for real-world demands: 9 m/min vertical speed and 12 m/min horizontal travel mean that even the highest storage position is accessible in under 25 seconds. Driven by chain transmission along linear guide rails, the system balances speed with positional accuracy—critical when placing a 5-ton plate within millimeters of a laser nozzle.
User interaction is intentionally intuitive. A touchscreen control panel near each laser station lets operators switch between automatic and manual modes instantly. During normal production, the system runs autonomously; during setup, maintenance, or emergencies, manual override provides full control. The same interface allows seamless switching between two connected laser machines, enabling dynamic load balancing based on job priority or machine availability.
Automatic Storage System Steel Metal Plate Gantry Loading Unloading Robot Manipulator
Maintenance is straightforward thanks to a modular, open-frame gantry design. Critical components—motors, chains, sensors—are easily accessible, and wear parts are standardized for quick replacement. Energy consumption is optimized through variable frequency drives, reducing operational costs over time. Many users report maintenance expenses 40% lower than comparable robotic systems, thanks to the absence of complex hydraulics or proprietary subsystems.
Safety improvements are equally compelling. Operators no longer need to stand near moving plates or reach into machine beds during loading. The system includes light curtains, emergency stops, and zone monitoring to prevent accidental entry during automated cycles. This not only protects personnel but also reduces insurance premiums and compliance risks.
From an ROI perspective, the benefits compound quickly. Reduced labor requirements, faster cycle times, lower scrap rates (due to consistent handling), and minimized downtime all contribute to a typical payback period of under three years. Additionally, the system’s scalability means it can grow with your business—adding more storage levels or integrating additional lasers as demand increases.
In essence, the Automated Sheet Metal Loading System transforms the laser cutting area from a point of friction into a hub of efficiency. It’s not about replacing people—it’s about empowering them to focus on value-added tasks while automation handles the heavy, repetitive, and hazardous work. For shops committed to quality, safety, and competitiveness, this system is a decisive step toward the future of smart manufacturing.
Below are answers to common questions from customers exploring our industrial storage systems for sheet metal, bars, tubes, and profiles. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help.
Q1: Can I customize the size, capacity, or finish of the racks? Yes. Every Herochu storage system is built to order. Whether you need a specific height to fit under a mezzanine, a non-standard drawer depth for oversized panels, or a particular powder-coated color to match your facility’s safety coding, we’ll work with you at no extra design cost. Just share your space constraints and material specs, and we’ll engineer a solution that fits.
Q2: Are you the actual manufacturer? We are—not a reseller or trading company. Herochu operates its own 10,000-square-meter production facility in Jinan, China, and has been designing and building industrial storage equipment for over 15 years. This allows us to control quality, lead times, and pricing directly.
Q3: Is there a minimum order requirement? No minimums. Whether you need one automated vertical rack for a small workshop or a full warehouse rollout with multiple units, we accommodate all project scales. Single-unit orders receive the same engineering attention and quality checks as large-volume contracts.
Q4: How can I access detailed technical information? Click the “Get a Quote” button on our website to request CAD drawings, load capacity charts, installation manuals, product videos, and 3D renderings. Our sales engineers will also schedule a call to walk you through specifications based on your application—no generic brochures, just relevant details.
Q5: What information do you need to design a storage solution for me? To create an accurate proposal, please provide:
The type of material (e.g., steel sheet, aluminum extrusion, stainless tube)
Dimensions (length, width, thickness/diameter)
Weight per bundle or individual piece
Desired storage density (how much you need to store in a given area)
Any automation requirements (e.g., integration with laser cutters or CNC machines)
You can also simply leave your contact info, and a specialist will reach out to guide you through the process.
Q6: Do you offer automation like robotic arms or gantry loaders? Yes. We design and integrate servo-driven gantry systems, loading robotic arms, and automated material exchange platforms that sync with your existing machinery—especially laser cutting tables. These systems can pull sheets or profiles directly from our vertical racks and place them onto your machine bed, reducing manual handling and cycle time. Tell us your equipment model and workflow, and we’ll tailor the interface.
Q7: Do you provide on-site installation support? Absolutely. Our certified technicians travel internationally to handle assembly, calibration, and operator training. We’ve completed installations across North America, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia—including the USA, Mexico, South Korea, Russia, Qatar, Egypt, South Africa, and Lebanon. Remote support is also available for simpler setups.
Q8: How do you guarantee product reliability and safety? Quality isn’t an afterthought—it’s built into every stage:
All structural components use Q235 or higher-grade steel, welded and stress-tested.
Every unit undergoes full-load simulation before shipping.
Our in-house quality control team follows ISO 9001 protocols from raw material inspection to final packaging.
All export units carry CE certification, meeting EU mechanical safety standards.
Over 40 experienced engineers support design validation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement.
Q9: Where is your factory located? Our manufacturing base is in Jiyang Industrial Park, Jinan, Shandong Province, China. The facility spans 10,000 square meters and includes dedicated zones for cutting, welding, surface treatment, assembly, and testing. We welcome both virtual and in-person visits so you can see our capabilities firsthand.
Q10: How can I verify your production and technical capabilities? We encourage due diligence. You can:
Request a live video tour of our workshop during operating hours.
Review third-party inspection reports or certification documents.
Speak directly with our engineering team about past projects similar to yours.
Visit our factory by appointment—many international clients do.
Transparency is key to long-term partnerships, and we’re confident in what we build.
Q11: What does your company specialize in? Herochu (operated by Jinan Constant Storage Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd.) is a high-tech enterprise focused exclusively on intelligent industrial storage solutions. Our core products include:
Automatic vertical sheet metal warehouses
Drawer-style roll-out racks for plates and remnants
Heavy-duty cantilever racks for long bars and pipes
Servo manipulators and gantry loading systems
Fully integrated material handling lines for laser and plasma cutting cells
Backed by advanced fabrication equipment and a team of mechanical, electrical, and automation engineers, we serve metal fabricators, aerospace suppliers, construction material distributors, and renewable energy manufacturers worldwide—delivering systems that are not only strong and safe but also smart, scalable, and built to last.
If you’re ready to replace floor clutter with precision storage, we’re ready to help you design it.
